Advanced Preparation: Complete all other steps but do not bake. Cover baking dish tightly with plastic wrap; then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Remove foil and plastic wrap; replace foil. Bake at 350°F for 1 ½ hours or until hot and bubbly.

Serves 2 (multiply recipe to serve more)

Heat the milk in the microwave for 1 minute per cup to warm it (this step is optional, but it speeds the rest of the recipe). Melt the butter, add the flour and cook over medium heat briefly until the flour is partially cooked (but do not let it brown). Add the milk, cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring all the while, until the mixture starts bubbling and thickens. Take off the heat, mix in the cheese, and let it stand until the cheese melts. Mix again until well- combined, add salt to taste, and combine with the drained, cooked macaroni.